An Everyday Carry (EDC) refers to the items carried on a daily basis to aid in dealing with normal everyday needs in modern society, including any possible emergency situation. It is most commonly a sling bag large enough to carry key items that you identify as being significant to your daily operations. Many of the items people identify as EDC can be carried in your clothing. If the list of items you want to carry exceeds that which you can carry on your person, you may want to purchase a sling bag or small day pack.
Before buying a EDC bag, you should decide what items you want to carry. This will assure the purchase of the correct size bag. There are many good bags on
the market that come in different sizes and shapes. Maxpedition, Condor, 5:11, 3V Gear, Blackhawk and Goruck are just a few brands that are available for your specific need.
What should I carry?
Here is a list of suggestions that you can analyze for your specific needs:
Small First Aid Items – Always helpful on a day to day basis.
Face Shield- Protects you in the event you you need to perform rescue breathing.
Tourniquet – Stops severe bleeding in an extremity.
Charging cables for phone, tablet or computer – Keeping you in touch.
Backup Battery Pack – If power is out you have backup power.
Water Proof Note Pad – Take or leave notes.
Pens and pencils – You can always use an extra.
Tactical Flashlight (at least 180 lumens) – Can be used if power is out, to signal rescuers or it can be used as a weapon to blind an attacker for at least 30 seconds.
Folding Knife – Obviously for cutting or as a weapon.
Multi Tool – For quick repairs and other uses.
Tactical Pen – can also be used as a weapon.
Light Stick – Provides light and can be used as signaling device.
Fisher Space Pen – Will right at any angle in most any temperatures.
Paracord Bracelet with Compass – Many, many uses, use your imagination. Securing items, splints, sling tourniquet, handcuffs, shoelaces, belt the list goes on and on.
Cash and roll of quarters – With power outages and disasters, credit cards may not be an option.
iPad or Tablet – The EDC bags protects these items.
Tylenol or Ibuprofen – Never know when you may need a little pain relief.
Antibiotic Cream – For small cuts and abrasions.
Tactical Gloves – Protection for your hand when changing tire or in all types of emergency situations.
Latex Gloves – Protection when delivering emergency care.
Protein Bars – Food in emergency situation or a pick me up in the middle of the day.
Self Defense Item – Your gun or pepper spray.
Extra Ammo – Just in case you are in a very bad situation.
Lip Balm – It’s there if you need it.
Water Bottle – To keep hydrated.
Space Blanket – Stay warm if you are stranded.
Folded Rain Gear – Stay dry.
Sunglasses – Protection for your eyes when needed.
The EDC will help you solve specific problems throughout the day. In an emergency it may aid you in getting back home. You never know what might happen and it may take a number of resources for you to get home safely. A properly stocked EDC will make you feel more comfortable throughout the day because you have many resources at your fingertips.
Once you have a quality EDC you may want to set up an emergency kit for your car and a bug out bag used when you must leave you home in an emergency situation. These resources will be discussed in future articles.
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. – 2 Corinthians 9:8
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